Global Football Boots Spotting - 20/02/12

Xavi (Barcelona) adidas adipower Predator

Xavi joined a fleet of adidas players who sported the new Slime adipower Predator colourway, and he proved to have a deft touch scoring within minutes of coming onto the pitch, with a lofted shot over the goalkeeper.

Lorenzo Stovini (Empoli) Mizuno Wave Ignitus I

Anyone remember these? Okay so they're not an old school classic, but as boot fans we remember the impact the first Wave Ignitus football boots had on the game. Clearly they had an impact on Stovini also, who's not had his eyes turned by newer more modern boots, and is continuing to wear these originals.

Aziz Alijonov (FK Neftchi Farg'ona) adidas f50 adizero miCoach

Uzbekistani football club Neftchi Farg'ona were lining up for their AFC Champions League football match, and there were plenty of new boots on show. We only gave the White/Energy/Black versions of the adizero their full unveiling recently, but already they're popping up on pitches around the globe.

Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) Puma PowerCat 1.12 Custom

Fabregas is famed for having a custom sole-plate, it's something he had whilst with Nike and it seems he is carried on his footwear requirements with Puma. For his PowerCat 1.12 football boots, it appears Cesc has the King Finale sole-plate attached instead of the bladed PowerCat version.

Michael Bridges (Newcastle Jets) Pele Sports 1970

Michael Bridges was at one time being touted for an England call-up, unfortunately for this promising striker he's had a career blighted with injuries, and although he managed over 200 Premier League games it could have been a lot more. Now plying his trade in the A League, Bridges hasn't opted for an adidas, Nike or Puma boot, instead he's chosen to wear the first Pele Sports boot the 1970.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool) adidas f50 adizero miCoach

Lionel Messi has been given his customary period of exclusively wearing select new adidas f50 colourways, but now we are starting to see a host of stars sporting the Blue/Energy versions. Suarez was also returning to wearing the miCoach football boots, after an excursion back into the older standard boots last week against United.

Christian Obodo (Lecce) Mizuno Morelia Ultra-Light

Who knew when Mizuno released these Ultra-Light versions of the Morelia they had an ultra ultra light version in Morelia Neo on the way! But these versions Obodo is wearing are the limited edition Hulk boots, which feature a Brazil colour scheme and the national flag stitched into the heel, interestingly Obodo isn't from Brazil though he's from Nigeria.

Oliver Giroud (Montpellier) Puma v1.11

It's hard not to notice these new Puma's when they're on pitch! Puma do have quite a reputation for eccentric colourways (who can forget their Parachute Purple and Tender Shoots!), which makes the Blue/White/Lime a worthy addition to the range. The v1.11 range is also picking up momentum with players like Giroud making the switch into Puma's speed boot.

Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) adidas adipower Predator

RVP was another of the adidas Predator players to wear the Slime boots this weekend, and although the name may not sound flattering, we don't think there's any denying they look good on pitch. Frustrating time for Van Persie at the moment after scoring a hat-trick and being heralded for a 7-1 victory, they are now being berated for poor performances.

Lorenzo Tonelli (Empoli) Lotto Zhero Gravity Ultra

The world's most interesting speed boot, the Lotto Zhero Gravity Ultra is still one that divides the boot community. Lotto are sticking by their lace-less concept, despite no other brands following suit, but clearly for professional player Tonelli the boots are a comfortable fit and can perform at the top level.

Liam Trotter (Millwall) adidas Predator Kinetic SL

The Pred SL wasn't pushed onto the pro players as adidas were keen to keep their endorsed players wearing the standard versions. But that hasn't stopped the likes of Trotter, who is most probably without a boot contract, choosing to wear them. They're the lightest Predator to be released and took the range into new realms, but as they don't feature a Predator element they are quite a unique boot choice.

Thomas Broich (Brisbane Roar) Nike Mercurial Superfly II

Broich was sporting the Windchill Superfly's which received one of the best reactions we've seen on the SoccerBible, so it was great to still see them on pitch. Appearing in the A League, Broich is a German attacking midfielder who made the move a few years ago, but has been wearing Superfly's whilst in Australia.

Gareth Bale (Tottenham) adidas f50 adizero miCoach

Gareth Bale is another adizero player to make the move into the Blue/Energy version, after allowing Messi to wear them exclusively. And we think adidas have been quite clever with this new colourway, as Tottenham players who would never wear red boots and Liverpool player who would never wear blue are all sporting this new colour-scheme.

Ryo Miyaichi (Bolton) Nike Mercurial Miracle II

There was plenty of debate last week surrounding Miyaichi's footwear, after he wore Superfly's when we recently met the Japanese star but wore Miracle's when making his debut for Bolton. Again this week in the FA Cup Miyaichi appeared to be wearing Nike Mercurial Miracle's, which is noticeable due to the distance between the Swoosh and lacing system.

Kaka (Real Madrid) adidas adipower Predator

Joining the likes of Xavi, Robin Van Persie and Daniele De Rossi, Kaka was also sporting the new Slime adidas adipower Predator football boots. After a less than convincing start to his Real career, Kaka is beginning to establish himself in the Real Madrid first team, and they're on a great run sitting 10 points clear at the top of La Liga.